The Philippines said Monday it planned to acquire the US Typhon missile system as part of a push to secure its maritime interests, sparking warnings from China of a regional “arms race”. The US Army deployed the mid-range missile system in the northern Philippines earlier this year for annual joint military exercises with its longtime ally,

The Philippines' defence minister on Tuesday justified the country's deployment of a U.S. medium-range missile system and plans to acquire its own, despite opposition from China, a longstanding rival in the South China Sea.

MANILA: The Philippine defence secretary rejected Chinese criticism of Manila's plans to acquire a US-built mid-range missile system, telling Beijing on Tuesday (Dec 24) to stop its "sabre rattling" and "interference" in internal affairs.